Sandy Spring Friends School. About $20k for preprimary, my DC is now in K (did Pre K there, too) and is very, very happy. Very child centered, lots of play and movement and hands on learning outside. They offer a bus, which my pre-k child handled easily.

Second the suggestion to look at Grace Episcopal. It is well within your budget, not too far from NW and an all around great school.

Norwood is also good and if you're willing to go to Primary Day, Norwood is just a couple of miles away.

At $20k, Grace Episcopal is an absolute bargain and it offers all the things you're looking for in a K program. The children in K get art several times a week, lots of outdoor time (the school sits on 11 acres, including a large wooded area with a stream and outdoor classroom space), two to three recess periods a day plus PE, and through the Responsive Classroom curriculum there is significant emphasis on social development. Here's a link to what they're currently doing in the K class: http://www.geds.org/page.cfm?p=456

Next Monday (Nov. 12) there is an open house (while classes are in session). Definitely worth checking out and learning more! We have been at Grace for three years now and couldn't be happier. It is a warm, nurturing environment and the family community is down-to-earth and welcoming.

Good luck in your search!

I think Concord Hill was 25 and Primary Day 22? That doesn't include lunch, while for a lot of the schools tuition does.

I would note other than grace episcopal, I don't know of any schools under 25k other than the archdiocese schools. How much are primary day and concord hill? I'd be surprised to hear they are under 25k but I could be wrong.

Anonymous wrote:Washington Episcopal School offers all you want, OP, and the price is right as well. Could not be more pleased. Their art and science are amazing, even for the youngest (pre-K) children.

+1 for WES. They offer financial aid.

Langley...it's in Virginia but offers bus service two ways.

Focus is on primary years and its within your budget.

Just named a new head of school from NSC. Fantastic facilities.

Great little gem if you want focus on early years...you may just not want va though

St pats is also worth considering....similar to Above, but more religious...

Anonymous wrote:Washington Episcopal School offers all you want, OP, and the price is right as well. Could not be more pleased. Their art and science are amazing, even for the youngest (pre-K) children.

WES is more than $25K- it's almost $29K.

Washington Episcopal School offers all you want, OP, and the price is right as well. Could not be more pleased. Their art and science are amazing, even for the youngest (pre-K) children.

Do you want progressive or traditional? Norwood ability groups starting in K and offers a lot of worksheets.

I would nix Green Acres. Not as progressive as they were a few years ago.

OP: thanks for the additional suggestions, but we're really trying to keep it under $25k!! That's already a lot for us!

Lowell!

Sheridan is $28K and worth every dime. It has everything you are looking for. Wonderful school.

Green Acres is $30K+ but it is really worth a look. Bus transportation is available both ways and they are really committed to helping kids be kids.